My last washer (fortunately insured) developed a fault about three months ago.  When it was on the last spin, it became increasingly noisy.  And I mean noisy.

However, the insurance company insisted it be mended instead of replaced. 

So there were two vists (one call out to investigate the fault and order the part and a second visit to fit the part) for a new pump.  Engineer said problem was solved.  But problem not solved.

Two more visits for a new engine.  Engineer said problem was solved.  But problem not solved.   

Two more visits for new suspension.  Engineer said problem was solved.  But problem not solved.   

Two more visits to fit other bits and pieces.  Engineer said problem was solved.  But problem not solved. 

Finally, the washer made such a noise when spinning you could have heard it from outer space it was so loud.

Engineer returns again and says the spindle to the drum has completely cracked.  

That was the problem all along - the spindle cracking so why the engineers insisted it was the pump, engine, suspension etc, I really don't know.   Obviously they didn't know either!        

Then came a two week wait while the company searched for a new spindle.  My washing machine is no longer manufactured and although some spare parts are still available, others aren't - including the spindle.  But the company said that an engineer somewhere in the country may have one on their van, so I couldn't have a new washer until a thorough search had been undertaken.

Last week, I received a phone call saying that a new spindle was not available, so I would have a new washing machine.  I would be sent a voucher to take to Currys or Comet and if I wanted to upgrade I could add the money for whatever washer I wanted.

So I spent hours on the internet researching washers and decided I'd have a Boch.

But then there was another phone call to say that I wasn't going to be sent a voucher.  I would be sent a particular make of washer as a replacement.

Spent hours on the internet researching this particular make of washer as I was told that if I wanted an upgrade I could add the extra money towards it.

Then another phone call.  I wasn't going to be sent that make of washer, I was going to be sent another!

Cue more hours spent on the internet researching that make of washer. 

Phoned back to discuss the model of washer to be offered to me but it didn't have all the features the broken washer had (it was a good job I had kept the manual which listed the spin speed, extra rinse and type of programmes etc) so I could argue for a better model than the one first offered. 

At last, the new one is to be delivered today and will be fitted to the plumbing.  Phew.

In the meantime, someone has collected the old machine for the spare parts to use for their washer, so the floor space can be given a good clean! 

The floor underneath the cooker, washer, tumble dryer and fridge are usually cleaned once a year but don't they get dirty? I don't know how all that dirty gets underneath there?

My cleaner has been taking washing home with me as I couldn't really ask any of my neighbours to do it.  One neighbour has going throught treatment for breast cancer and her partner is very stressed out; another neighbour is a Jehovah's Witness and although we chat  over the fence, I don't like getting too close as she keeps asking me to go to her church and puts JW magazines through my door; three couples work full time and have children so their washers are probably busy most of the time anyway. 

My other neighbour, whose husband died seven months ago, didn't offer to do my washing when I mentioned a few weeks ago about the washer being broken so I didn't ask.  This week when I said I was getting a new washer and how my cleaner had been so good, she said I should have asked her!  I did say that I'd mentioned about the washer being broken but she didn't remember!!

When you are disabled you can't necessarily take your washing to the launderette as it isn't always easy - transporting the washing and also getting parked.

It used to be possible to park on the main road of my little village using a blue badge, but so many non-dis parked on the yellow lines that all parking has been banned.  To stop parking, the road has been made one way only and the paths have been widened so it is one vehicle width only.

Having to get the washing from the car park to the launderette is now a difficult processes.

Yet again it is non-dis who abuse parking and we disabled people get penalised by their laziness and thoughtlessness.  They can walk but they won't.